U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Thursday, Dec. 15, that as COVID-19 cases are rising across America as people gather for the holidays, effective Dec. 15, every household can order four free, COVID-19 test kits to be shipped straight to the door of each home.

 

Meanwhile, in New York City, NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan issued a new advisory on Dec. 9 as the City faces high levels of a triple onslaught of COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases.

 

The health commissioner said New Yorkers are strongly urged to wear masks in public, indoor settings, and crowded outdoor settings, to get vaccinated, test regularly, wash hands regularly and stay home, if sick. For more information, visit https://on.nyc.gov/3ULqGDZ.

 

Vasan said this was especially important for people who are – or are meeting – those who are at increased risk for complications from COVID-19, RSV, or the flu, such as those age 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised.

COVID cases are rising across America as folks gather for the holidays.

That's why, starting today, every household can order 4 free COVID tests to be shipped straight to your door.

Head to https://t.co/3czr91e7j5 to get yours.

— President Biden (@POTUS) December 15, 2022

In terms of COVID-19, the attached tables and charts show the citywide trends, summary and case data broken down by neighborhood as of Dec. 15.

 

In The Bronx, rates are high in ZIP code 10467 which covers Norwood, Allerton, Pelham Parkway and Williamsbridge, ZIP code 10466 which covers Edenwald and Wakefield, ZIP code 10469 which covers Allerton, Baychester, Pelham Gardens and Williamsbridge, ZIP code 10472 which covers Soundview, ZIP code 10462 which covers Parkchester, Pelham Parkway, Van Nest and Westchester Square, ZIP code 10474 which covers Hunts Point, ZIP code 10455 which covers Mott Haven, but are highest in ZIP code 10451 which covers Melrose and Concourse and ZIP code 10475 covering Co-Op City and Edenwald.

 

An NYC COVID-19 hotline provides residents with COVID-19 updates, including testing sites, advice from medical staff, quarantine information and mental health support. Call 212-COVID19 or (212) 268-4319. Find a vaccine or booster location today at ny.gov/vaxtoschool.

 

NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene officials are also educating New Yorkers on the spread of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is a common respiratory virus that often causes mild, cold-like symptoms but may result in severe illness in some people. Anyone can be infected, but RSV can be serious, especially in infants and older adults.

 

Symptoms often include runny rose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, and decrease in appetite. Learn more at http://on.nyc.gov/rsv.

 

Health officials are also reminding New Yorkers to get a flu shot and COVID-19 booster, if not already the case. Check out our recent Health Check feature on getting vaccinated for more information.

 

 

To order the free COVID-19 test kits, visit http://COVIDTests.gov.